California Firefighter Finds New BFF In Rescued Cat

J. Swanson

By J. Swanson

Proper greatergood_ctg_belowtitle

Ryan Coleman, an engine captain at the Fairview Valley Fire Department, is just one of many brave firefighters risking their lives to battle Camp Fire’s devastating flames, which have so far killed at least 79 people, left hundreds more missing, and displaced or injured thousands of pets.

Last week, one grateful Paradise local came out to thank Coleman for his efforts. Obviously, such sentiments couldn’t be conveyed in words, per se, but the cat made a point to shower this hero with love.

Colman was just going about his job when a gray cat suddenly emerged from the ashes. He tried to get on with his work, but the understandably shaken feline was clearly in need of some human attention.

After it became clear the John/Jane Doe wasn’t going to leave, Colman hoisted the cat up on his shoulder, where s/he happily sat for the rest of the day while he worked. Its anyone’s guess the last time this cat saw his or her family — or what else it’s been through.

J. Swanson is a writer, traveler, and animal-enthusiast based in Seattle, an appropriately pet-crazed city where dog or cat ownership even outweighs the number of kids. When the weather permits, she likes to get outside and explore the rest of the Pacific Northwest, always with a coffee in hand.

Proper greatergood_ctg_belowcontent

Sign up for news and offers!

Let us keep you informed and we’ll give you a FREE gift (you get to choose!).

We’ll vaccinate a shelter animal if you’re a first-time subscriber to our family of websites!